Cuba’s Deep-Sea Fishing

Grab your tackle and stock up on the bait, as you’re heading to one of the most attractive destinations in the world for deep-sea fishing. That’s right, thanks to strong marine currents along the diverse coastline, Cuba is a hot spot for lovers of the sport hoping to catch some high demand species, such as sailfish and marlin – not to mention a whole lot of tarpon, too.

Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or simply want to see what all the fuss is about on a charter tour, we’ve uncovered the top game-fishing territories in Cuba for you to try during your next island visit…

When’s the best time to deep-sea fish in Cuba?

Generally speaking, the best months for fishing in Cuba is April and September, although it depends on what species (if you have something particular in mind) you wish to fish for. For example, Sailfish season is May and July, you’ll find Swordfish in January and February, Marlin is popular during June, July, August, and September, whilst Barracuda can be caught all year round!

Why is fishing so popular in Cuba?

Whilst its a popular leisure activity for tourists and locals alike, fishing in Cuba is actually an important economic activity that’s legally regulated under the principles of conservation and sustainable use. Once vital for the survival of aborigines that inhabited the island before the colonization, fishing only obtained its recreational character in the 19^th century – when it became a sport.

The dreamy isle covers thousands of kilometres of coastlines: over 4,000 islands and keys, nearly 6,000km of mangrove-lined banks, and 300 natural beaches to be exact – plus strong currents that – luckily for recreational fishing fans – intertwine with routes of migratory species. In fact, the watersheds here create a natural barrier that protects the passage of more than 150 species of fish, making Cuba one of the most privileged locations to practise this popular pastime.

Where to Deep-Sea Fish in Cuba

Some of the best deep-sea fishing sites can be found in areas like Jardine De La Reina, Cayo Largo, Zapata, Cayo Santa Maria, Laguna la Redonda, Jibacoa dams, and beyond – so you’re likely to find a skipper no matter where you’re staying on the island.

Jardines De La Reina Club

A fly-fisherman’s paradise nestled amid saltwater flats, Jardines De La Reina boasts no less than 2,600 square miles of offshore wilderness to explore – that’s bigger than the Florida Keys! Nicknamed the Queen’s Gardens by Columbus, this idyllic archipelago in the southern corner of Cuba has played host to its vast marine reserve since 1996, so you’re sure to find an array of spectacular underwater species during your charter. Bonefish and tarpon are among the most popular species you’ll see here, alongside wahoo, mutton snapper and cubera snapper – giving anglers plenty of opportunity to bag a Grand Slam.

Zapata Cuba

You’ll feel like you’ve won the lottery when you head out into the waters of Zapata, since only eight anglers are allowed to fish here each week. There are thousands of kilometres of water in and around this area, with many spots having never seen an angler before – but if you ask us, that makes your visit (and any catches you make) even more exciting. You can expect to find species including bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook swimming here.

Cayo Santa Maria – Gardens of The King

Otherwise known as the Gardens of The King (GOK), Cayo Santa Maria is a small isle off Cuba’s northern coast (one of Hemingway’s favourite places to fish) known for its beaches, water sports and lush vegetation. Crowned as the Tarpon Paradise, this fishing base in Las Brujas Villa, located in the keys of Villa Clara, has been a part of the Buenavista Bay Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO since 2000 and (unsurprisingly) welcomes thousands of enthusiasts to its waters from March to August for migratory tarpon fishing. The area is also home to many of the traditional flat species including bonefish, permit, and snook.

Isla De La Juventud

Another tarpon hot spot on the list, Isla de la Juventud (nicknamed the Island of Youth) is located on the south side of northern Cuba and is a popular place to head if you’re looking to catch some monster fish! You can pretty much guarantee to find tarpon all year round in these waters, in the hefty 30-80lb range at that – if you’re fishing over the summer months, we’re talking closer to 100lb. Now that’s a catch.

This lesser-known part of the island doesn’t see too many tourists, making it a unique experience for anglers seeking a great catch in a beautiful location, too.

Laguna la Redonda

Located near the city of Moron in central Cuba, is a beautiful natural lagoon fringed by lush mangroves and varied flora and fauna. Stretching between 4 and 5 square km, this pretty pocket of the isle is teeming with the largest amounts of perches and trout on the island, with the added bonus of manatees, turtles, eels, crocodiles, Cubera snappers and beyond – so be sure to have your binoculars at the ready! La Redonda is also where you’ll find the International Fishing Centre headquarters, so you can expect to see lots of people taking to the waters to either fish, or simply enjoy a pleasant boat ride.